Prelims
Art and Culture
Ratna Bhandar
Context
The Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri was opened after 46 years.
● The Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple was opened after a series of rituals.
● The Ratna Bhandar is situated at a height of 11.78 metres and measures 8.79 m by 6.74 m.
● It is located on the northern side of the Jagamohana (assembly hall of the temple).
● These chambers contain the jewels of the three sibling deities: Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra.
Last Documented Inventory
● There are two chambers of the Ratna Bhandar. In 1978, a thorough inventory of the ornaments and precious stones was compiled from May 13 to July 23. This inventory found 454 gold articles and 293 silver articles in both chambers.
● After 1978, the Ornaments were neither documented nor the chambers were opened.
Justice Biswanath Rath Committee
● A large number of PILs were filed to open the Ratna Bhandar in the Orissa High Court following which the court also issued a notice to the State government seeking its status.
● Recently, after a change in regime in Orissa, a high-level committee under the chairmanship of former Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath was constituted.
● The committee aims to supervise the process of cataloguing the valuables which will be received after the opening of the chambers of the ‘Ratna Bhandar’
● It would have also suggested different standard operating procedures for the opening of Ratna Bhandar, cataloguing of ornaments and safety of valuables.
Source: The Hindu, NDTV
Prelims
Polity/Governance
Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas
Context
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs released a notification to declare June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day).
About
● June 25 is remembered for the proclamation of Emergency by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government in 1975.
● The Central government aims to pay homage to the power of the constitution and democracy of India.
● After the proclamation of Emergency by Indira Gandhi there was gross abuse of power by the Government and the people of India were subjected to excesses and atrocities.
● Lakhs of people including many political and mainstream leaders were jailed without any reason and the voice of the media was suppressed.
Prelims
Polity/Governance
Central Govt to celebrate 75 years of Constitution
About
Recently, the central government has decided to celebrate 75 years of the Constitution.
Context
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
● The constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949. After adoption, this year it will be the 75th ‘Constitution Day’ on November 26.
● The central government has decided to kick off the “75 Years of Constitution” campaign on 15th August.
● The campaign aims to create awareness about what the Constitution stands for, the Assembly debates, and how the government has taken steps to strengthen it.
● The campaign will be marked by events, and exhibitions to be held across India.
● The campaign will make efforts to ensure large-scale participation of the youth.
Source: The Indian Express
Prelims
Economics
MSP for Makhana
Recently, the Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana.
About
● Makhana is an aquatic crop which is cultivated across 10 districts in Bihar.
● About 85 per cent of the country’s makhana production comes from Bihar.
● About 10 lakh people are directly or indirectly involved in the cultivation and production process of Makhana.
● Makhana is a GI-tagged crop which is revered across the globe as ‘Super Food’.
● Makhanas are a very good source of calcium. They also contain magnesium, potassium and phosphorus in a good amount. It also has a very good quantity of Proteins and Fiber.
How is MSP Declared?
● The minimum support prices are announced by the Central Government at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops.
● It is done based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
● However, the CACP gives the recommendations to the central government but the final decision is taken by the Cabinet.
Source; The Indian Express
1. Consider the following statements with reference to Constitution Day;
1) It is celebrated on 26th November every year.
2) The central government is celebrating 75 years of the Constitution this year.
3) On this day the Indian Constitution was adopted by the constituent Assembly.
Which of the following statements is/are Correct?
A. One Only
B. Two Only
C. All Three
D. None
Answer: C
2. Consider the following statements with respect to Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas:
1) It will be celebrated on June 25 every year.
2) On this day, the emergency was declared by the Congress government in 1975.
3) It was well accepted by all opposition parties of that time.
Which of the following statements is/are Correct?
A. One Only
B. Two Only
C. All Three
D. None
Answer: B
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